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NASA Scientists Engage with Taiwanese Students Online: A Fusion of Science and Education

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To promote scientific research and understanding of Taiwan's air pollution among senior high school students and college students in Taiwan, the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Pre-school and Elementary Education of the Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Aerosol Research Association partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States to organize two "NASA Scientists Sky Dialogue" events, held on March 20 and 21, 2024. The events featured engaging sessions and interactive exchanges by five scientists, led by Dr. Brenna Biggs, Director of Communications for NASA's Flight Research Program. The event received enthusiastic responses from over 1,000 high school students and nearly 200 college students.

In February and March 2024, NASA conducted the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) project in Taiwan, deploying two research aircraft carrying high-precision instruments during multiple flights over central and southern Taiwan, on February 15 and 28, and March 13. Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, the project included a 3D air quality experiment in the Gao-Ping region to analyze local air pollution sources.

To help students understand the scientific purposes and significance of the project, Dr. Biggs transformed complex scientific research into accessible popular science information, sharing insights on NASA's space and satellite missions, developments in planetary-level environmental monitoring, and its recent research flights over Taiwan. The interactive Q&A sessions were well received, with students showing keen interest in becoming NASA scientists. Dr. Biggs and the four other scientists were approachable and accessible to the students, and provided comprehensive answers to every question, broadening students’ horizons and enriching their international contacts.

The participating students asked various questions about space, for example, whether the scientists had ever been hit by space junk while flying. The NASA scientists shared their experiences of flying through the atmosphere, often passing by other aircraft and encountering balloons near their craft. Students also inquired about the low altitude of the ASIA-AQ project flights and how flight paths were chosen. The scientists explained that flight paths were selected to analyze surface air quality, typically at altitudes of 5 to 10 kilometers above sea level, following a three-dimensional path similar to a yo-yo. Meanwhile, they had to ensure they did not disrupt commercial and military flights, and took into consideration the multiple aspects of route planning in coordination with other Asian countries involved in the project.

In the university session, students displayed professionalism and depth of thought, discussing the project's length of time for taking each air sample and the resolution of the data. The NASA scientists explained that the sampling protocols depended on instrument capabilities and flight altitude, requiring on-the-spot adjustments based on pollution conditions during flight. They clarified that springtime was chosen for execution of the project due to the impact of temperature on VOC emissions from surface vegetation, in contrast to emissions from vehicles and factories, which are less affected by seasonal factors. The project also helped differentiate between domestic and transboundary pollution events, aligning with events in other countries involved in the project, such as Thailand's northern burning season.

Students also raised the issue of access to related experimental data. The NASA scientists shared air pollution data from satellites and ground stations, and assured that the project's results would be made public in the future for research papers or other purposes.

The dialogue on the atmospheric environment proved to be a successful environmental education initiative, marking the first collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and NASA involving the 3D air quality experiment. Through this dialogue between NASA scientists and high school and university students, the event enabled Taiwanese students to connect internationally and expand their perspectives. In the future, as environmental education is promoted, the event will serve as a model for maintaining a focus on both local initiatives and global perspectives, and fostering diverse international connections.

Source: 
Ministry of Environment
Updated: 
2024-04-01
Hit: 
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